Can-Am BRP "Spyder"

[JamminJere]

Took one of these for a test ride today..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GLSTyvONNc&feature=related

Torquey... sounded like a sportster, revved higher. Was cool breaking the big rear tire loose... belt drive 5 speed.

closest thing I've felt to a snowmobile on the street. Steering was "twitchy" but after a little adjustment not too bad.

Kinda cool... but I'm not running out to sell my Concours14.

Jerry

[squeezer]

I had one go past in the other direction last weekend.  I don't really remember where I was -- running a rally does that to you -- but it was the first one I'd seen on the road and they, at least, look pretty sharp.  I think they're going to sell more than they thought they would.

Did the dealer let you test ride or was it a demo day kind of deal?

[JamminJere]

It was an open house, and BRP had a truck there.. the tags on the one I rode were from Quebec. Its a different kind of animal to say the least. Not a bike.. not a car, not a conventional trike, not a quad..  There is no front hand brake. Just a brake pedal integrated to all wheels.  They have traction control  and only brake the wheels that need it?

They rev pretty high for a liter V-twin.

[R Doug]

I saw one during the burger run weekend somewhere on 120.  They look fun.

[DaleFranks]

It was the Spyder that actually got me back into motorcycling.

When I was younger, I used to ride fairly regularly.  I was active duty military, and in 1987, I got orders to go to Europe.  while stationed there, I drove a series of used cars that I could pick up for about $300 from other military guys.  before returning to the US in '91, I bought a new Toyota Corolla.  Then, when I cam back, I was stationed in North Dakota, a place where motorcycles are pretty useless for most of the year, due to the weather.  Once I got out of the USAF and moved to California, I just never rode any more.

So, last May, with gas prices rising, I started thinking about getting something less hungry for gas than my truck.  I saw an article on the Spyder, and they had a test model at the local cycle store.  In CA, you don't need a MC license for a three-wheeled vehicle, so, I went over and took a ride.  Kept it out for about an hour, and I got sold on getting back into riding.  It was fantastic!  Even with the hefty weight of the Spyder, that Rotax engine just smoked it down the road.

By the end of June I'd finished the MSF Course, got my MC endorsement, and  bought a Harley Sportster.  Earlier this month, after being dissatisfied with the noise, vibration, mediocre power of the Sporty, I traded it in for a new FJR AE.

And it's all because I took a Spyder for a test ride.

[JoeRider]

I saw one in person for the first time today:




Check this thread for more pics,

sweet lights too:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,24411.25/topicseen.html

[shah269]

I don't know.....a bike for soccer moms?
I mean you can't lean which means you can't carve which means you can't feel the road.
I don't know....it's not an automatic is it?

[olderigetfasteriam]

I don't know....it's not an automatic is it?

You should prolly read the first post again.

[JamminJere]

Shah,

I think they do offer an automatic trans as well... for about a grand more...

The one I demo'd shifted like any "normal' motorcycle.

I'm waiting for kendenton's report.. He's the resident demo hoe-er

Jerry

[Windblown]

So many neat toys, so little time money. (sigh)

I wonder how much tires run for that thing?  They don't really look like car tires and they sure ain't motorcycle tires. If they are special built for the Spyder I'll bet they're right salty.

[spinalator]

It was the Spyder that actually got me back into motorcycling.

(snip)

By the end of June I'd finished the MSF Course, got my MC endorsement, and  bought a Harley Sportster.  Earlier this month, after being dissatisfied with the noise, vibration, mediocre power of the Sporty, I traded it in for a new FJR AE.

And it's all because I took a Spyder for a test ride.

That is a cool story, espcially since many snobbish little pricks seem to freak out whenever three wheelers are mentioned on this site!

[kendenton]

Shah,

I think they do offer an automatic trans as well... for about a grand more...

The one I demo'd shifted like any "normal' motorcycle.

I'm waiting for kendenton's report.. He's the resident demo hoe-er

Jerry

Fine, fine - it's on my list for Americade this year  

[shah269]

Shah,

I think they do offer an automatic trans as well... for about a grand more...

The one I demo'd shifted like any "normal' motorcycle.

Oh...ok! The one I sat on was hooked to a CVT slush box. Which really didn't do anything for me.
But all that power hu....and that huge rear tire......are you thinking what I'm thinking!
If we put a proper engine in there with a proper turbo! Can we say drag bike!

[spinalator]

But all that power hu....and that huge rear tire......are you thinking what I'm thinking!
If we put a proper engine in there with a proper turbo! Can we say drag bike!

Why don't you use your powers for good instead of evil?

[AK_Busa]

So... how long will it take before someone ruins it with chrome 24 inch rims? IMO

[Uwe]

I wonder how much tires run for that thing?  They don't really look like car tires and they sure ain't motorcycle tires. If they are special built for the Spyder I'll bet they're right salty.

They appear to be car tires.  From the specsheet:

Fronts are 165/65R14.  TireRack.com shows Bridgestone Potenza RE92 in that size at $67 each.

Rear is 225/50R15.   TireRack.com shows numerous choices in that size ranging from $56 to as much as $200.

What's a little weird is the "nominal pressure" shown:  13-17 psi, both front and rear.

The more I see of this thing, the more it fascinates me.

-Uwe-

[squeezer]

I just got signed up for a test ride on May 29.  They're bring the truck to a local dealer.     I'll toss in my 2 cents here once I've had the ride.

[Corbeau]

I talked to an owner the other day.

While I wouldn't buy such a contraption, it does have stock lighting that blows away mine. And I have a 6th gen VFR...

[Bravo12]

I'll be all over something like this if/when old age or injuries keep me from riding a normal motorcycle.  It sure beats the heck outta those Gold Wing trikes.

[olderigetfasteriam]

I'll be all over something like this if/when old age or injuries keep me from riding a normal motorcycle.  It sure beats the heck outta those Gold Wing trikes.

 

Looks like fun to me.

[squeezer]

I'll be all over something like this if/when old age or injuries keep me from riding a normal motorcycle.  It sure beats the heck outta those Gold Wing trikes.

Did my test ride on Thursday, and that's exactly what I came away thinking.  If some physical condition kept me from riding on two wheels, this would be a great alternative.

I think what this is really going to appeal to are 4 wheel riders that want to take to the highway.  It's definitely road worthy, but it seems to handle like a four wheeler.  Definitely not a bike.  

My motorcycle instincts made me pretty uncomfortable in the corners.  You don't countersteer.  The centrifugal force really feels like it's going to pull you over.

My instincts also had me grabbing for the front brake, but there isn't one.  Only the footbrake which operates a three wheel ABS system.  I was talking to an owner after the test ride who said that an aftermarket company makes a hand brake adapter for people like me who think they can't relearn.  

I liked the sound of the engine -- 998cc (I think -- it says 990 on the decals) Rotax V-twin.  Very peppy, torquey.  

Overall evaluation:  It's a very fun toy.  If I was on vacation and a place nearby was renting them to go see the area, I'd be all over it.  As I mentioned above, if there was some reason I couldn't ride two wheels, I'd be all over it -- especially after hearing there are aftermarket bags to put it into a touring configuration.  Would I rather be on it than on two wheels?  No.  Cornering a bike is a lot more fun.  They're on to something here, though, and I think they'll sell what they make.

[Cablebandit]

I would have loved to test ride the thing last Thursday as well, but a bad experience at the dealer providing the demo's kept me away.  I should have just sucked it up and went, Oh well.

[squeezer]

I would have loved to test ride the thing last Thursday as well, but a bad experience at the dealer providing the demo's kept me away.  I should have just sucked it up and went, Oh well.

Ooh, sorry to hear that.  Kissell's has a pretty good rep and they were always great to me when I needed help with my Connie.

[NJFJR]

Saw one today on RT3 east in Clifton NJ. The rider and his "passenger" were hogging the left lane doing 45 mph while his 3 friends were doing stunts in the other 2 lanes.

It's starting already. The boneheads are buying them.
Where's a pissed off 18 wheeler when you need one?